Troy Ethics Commission launch investigation

Doherty, Wiltshire under scrutiny for links to Kokopellis

Updated 10:23 pm, Thursday, February 20, 2014

Troy

The city Ethics Commission will investigate two City Council members' alleged relationships with Kokopellis, the site of a controversial bar brawl.

The Ethics Commission announced Thursday night after a lengthy executive session that it voted investigate Councilman Robert Doherty's appearance before the State Liquor Authority regarding Kokopellis.

The commission also voted to determine if Council President Rodney Wiltshire has a financial interest in the bar at 124 Fourth St.

Commission Vice Chair John Cubit said the Doherty investigation arose from media reports about his meeting with the SLA.

The inquiry into Withsire was a result of claims on Facebook and Twitter that Wiltshire had financial ties to the bar.

What happened between police and patrons during a Jan. 25 melee at Kokopellis has been the focus of discussion and City Council committee meetings for the last three weeks.

The police have been accused of brutality after videos emerged showing an officer striking a man with a baton.

"I don't think there is a basis for any ethical violations," said Doherty, a Democrat.

Doherty has been clear in statements that he spoke on behalf of Kokopellis because it is located in his 4th Council District.

Wiltshire said he does not have any financial or ownership interest in Kokopellis. He labeled it a "witch hunt" and questioned the "intention of the members of the Ethics Commission."

Wiltshire said upon learning of the Facebook posting, he immediately went online to refute it. Wiltshire is a Democratic at-large council member.

The commission voted not to investigate a complaint against Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, the 2nd District Democrat, for a Facebook post suggesting residents sue the city.

The Rev. Eric Shaw, the commission chairman, said that instead of making comments online, people should file a complaint for the commission to investigate.